Upgrading a Draught System

with Optimal Materials and

Maintenance
Rob Gerrity
Ernie Jimenez
Beer Delivery History
• 1950’s - Vinyl & Brass has been used in beer systems
for a very long time
– It was cheap & easy to use with direct draw systems

• 1980’s – Remote beer systems come into the market

– Use of singled walled Polyethylene lines are used from the soda business
– Air compressors are used to propel the beer a long distance

• 1990’s new beer tubing are used in beer from the soda
industry
– Barrier line with attributes of antimicrobial properties and limits oxygen ingress
– Stainless Steel used in fittings
– Mixed gas is more widely used to propel beer
Beer Delivery Current
• Current – New innovations and alternatives in delivery
– Beer has changed and new flavoring has been introduced to
the draught system
– Focus on quality in Beer: Line cleaning has improved
– One way kegs (key kegs, Brewlocks, Key Kegs, etc)
– All Stainless Steel for all contact services (faucets, shanks,
couplers, fittings, etc)
– New alternatives to vinyl lines
– New improvements to maintaining carbonation
Beer Delivery Direct Draw
Metal Components
• Stainless Steel and Brass
• Flavor impact due to reactions (up to 10x copper)
• Durability
• Clean-ability

SS parts are long-lasting, easier to keep clean, and

do not react with beer.
Remote Systems
Brass Stainless Steel
• Measured in inter diameter (ID) • Measured in outer diameter
• Nickle plated that can wear down quick • Stronger, resistance to flavors and
with caustic cleaning caustic damage. Will last longer
• Cheaper • More expensive
 1/4 inch tailpieces
You could receive anyone of these
when you order a ¼” tailpiece Are these all ¼” bore size?
Flexible Polyethylene Blend
Ultra Barrier XTRAFLEXMASTER®

• Clear and flexible PVC free

• Incorporates a smooth copolymer
• Can be used as jumper lines, choker
inner layer
lines and gas lines
• Excellent oxygen barrier capabilities
• Resistance to line staining
• PVC, BPA and plasticizer free
Maintaining Carbonation

Gov Reg DraftMore

• Eliminate Secondary Regulators

• Self adjusting based on cooler temperature
• Sleek inline design to attach to gas port
• Reduce Waste
side of all keg couplers
• Improve Keg Yield
• Accuracy +/-.5 psi
Most Common Complaints
Pouring slowly, foamy, irregularly, not pouring
Leaks (beer & gas)
Equipment failure
Exterior bio build-up between cleanings

Let’s look at things we can do to mitigate the

problems before they occur.
Faucet Rebuild
Faucet Rebuild
Faucet Rebuild
Coupler Rebuild
Coupler Rebuild
Coupler Rebuild
Coupler Rebuild
Coupler Rebuild
Lesser Known Utilities-Hot Water
LKU-Cold Carbonated Water
Using Squeeze Bulbs
at both ends of a draught system
Pouring
Wrong coupler
Reversed tubes
Outta gas (either one)
Check ball
Frozen beer
Wrong line connected
Probe washer or Keg valve seal
Operator error or equipment failure?